Florence-Penrose School District Classified Employee of the Year: Florence Elementary School Head Custodian Ted Lewis

Florence-Penrose School District Teacher of the Year: Florence High School teacher Darin Serfoss

City Employees of the Year: Frank Orton and Richard Brown

Florence Elks Appreciation Award: Big D Superfoods

Nonprofit of the Year: Florence Pioneer Museum

Business of the Year: Papa's Restaurant

Citizen of the Year: Florence City Councilman Richard Upton

Richard Upton was named the 2017 Citizen of the Year Saturday during the Florence Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet. (Sara Knuth / Daily Record)

FLORENCE — Tom Bruno had to be pulled out of the kitchen Saturday to learn his company, Papa's Restaurant, won Business of the Year during the Florence Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet.

The night's caterer, Bruno walked out to the crowded room, exclaiming "Hey!" as everyone got on their feet for a standing ovation.

When he headed back into the kitchen after accepting the award, just a few seconds passed before he was met with a round of cheers from staff and school-age volunteers working in the back.

That was just one of the moments on display during the banquet, hosted at the Florence Elks Lodge. There, a crowded hall of Florence community members gathered to recognize businesses, educators, city workers, nonprofits and more for their 2017 achievements.

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Papa's Restaurant was opened in 2016 by Bruno and his wife, Elsa Bruno.

Among the night's other honorees was Florence City Councilman Richard Upton, who was selected as the 2017 Citizen of the Year. He was recognized for his vast community involvement.

"He has been involved in so many things," said Mollie Vendetti of the Chamber of Commerce. "He's responsible for the Tour De Coal Town Bike Race, the Main Street art show. He has been involved in the Pioneer Museum for years. I've learned to like and respect this man — he's a true gentleman."

Upton said he moved to Florence with his wife nearly 13 years ago after visiting the town and meeting several people from the area.

"We just thought, 'This is just what we're looking for — great town, great people, friendly,'" he said. "It's just been a tremendous amount of fun to be involved in the community."

Since then, Upton has become a Florence city councilor, been involved with the Pioneer Museum for nearly a decade, worked as the Florence representative for the Gold Belt Byway, organized the Florence Car Show and organized the Tour De Coal Town bike event through Rockvale, Williamsburg and Coal Creek.

"It's the community that makes it so great," he said.

Throughout the night, the chamber also honored the Merchant of the Year, Heartland Enterprises, which is owned by Elsie Ore and her husband, Florence Mayor Keith Ore. As part of the company, the couple owns Heartland Classic, Heartland Boutique and Heartland Antiques and Gifts.

Educators also were recognized during the banquet for their work in the Florence-Penrose School District. Ted Lewis, the head custodian of Fremont Elementary School, was named Classified Employee of the Year. Florence High School teacher Darin Serfoss was recognized as the Teacher of the Year.

Additionally, two Florence Public Works Department employees, Frank Orton and Richard Brown, were selected as the City Employees of the Year.

The Nonprofit of the Year was the Florence Pioneer Museum.

The night's host had a chance to honor a guest, as well, with the Florence Elks Appreciation Award, which went to Big D Superfoods.

In addition to awards, the chamber hosted both live and silent auctions. It also received donations as part of the night, which serves as the group's main fundraiser. One donor, who wished to remain anonymous, gave the chamber $2,000.

Looking toward the rest of 2018, the group is working with a new board. Members are Tom Bruno, Brian Allen, Michelle Hosler, Donny Hakes and Susie Jordan. Board directors are Chamber President Mike Vendetti, Vice President Wayne Jennings, Secretary Janna Hagen and Treasurer Barna Kasa.

Frank Orton, far left, and Richard Brown, right, pose for a photo Saturday with Florence City Manager Mike Patterson, center, after accepting awards for 2017 City Employees of the Year during the Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet. (Sara Knuth / Daily Record)

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